Daily Bridge Club by Frank Stewart

The intent of a falsecard is to fool declarer. A defender should avoid pointless falsecards that may fatally mislead his partner. Still, you can afford to deceive partner occasionally. (For instance, if you’re defending 3NT and you know his hand is worthless and he will play no part in the defense, dispense with informative fourth-highest and sequential leads. Lead what card you like.)

Today’s West led the king of hearts against four spades, and instead of signaling with the eight, East overtook with the ace and returned the deuce. West took the queen and led a third heart; he thought East had no more hearts.

South also thought so, which was just what East wanted. South ruffed with the ace of trumps to avoid an overruff and took the K-Q. When West discarded, South started the diamonds, but East ruffed the third diamond and cashed the ace of clubs.

East fooled his partner, but I suspect West was forgiving. If East defends routinely, South will easily make game.

A: A response of one spade would be routine for many casual players. (A response of two diamonds would be eccentric.) In most expert partnerships, the correct call is a negative double, showing enough strength to respond and four cards in spades. A response of one spade would promise a five-card or longer suit.